The Dean

The Magazine of The Dean

Issue 17 Easter 2018

ROLLS ROYCE APPRENTICESHIP SUCCESS FOR YEAR 11 STUDENTS (SEE PAGE 4)

Featured in this edition Easter Cake Competition Challenge Week World Book Day

Page 6 Page 11 Page 13

Update from the Head of School

Dear Parent/Carers, In Mrs Smith’s article in this newsletter, she outlines a The school year continues to fly major project we are working on this year, the push to by. I am certainly looking forward become a Restorative Practice School. As part of this to the weather getting warmer and change, and in order to continue to improve the no further disruption from snow! school, we feel the time is right to review our Despite this disruption, our behaviour policy and procedures. In September 2018, students have had a very we will launch a new behaviour procedure for the successful term. As we continue to whole school. This is a big bit of work and we would strive towards being a Good like to involve the whole school community in the school, learning in lessons remains process. Throughout the summer term we will be our bread and butter. I try to get running consultation meetings with all key out into lessons as much as stakeholders, and I would welcome the involvement of possible, and it is always great to see students challenging parents and carers in this. Early next term I will write themselves in all subjects. In January we ran our to parents with dates/times of the meetings – please Challenge Week, rescheduled from December following attend if you are able to, we really value your views. the first batch of wintery weather. Students took part in a I would like to publicly thank Jane Nicholls, who leaves number of workshops and activities and listened to us at Easter. Having worked at Malmesbury since inspirational speakers. The aim of the whole week was to 2003, Jane will be retiring at the end of this term. get students thinking about career paths that they might Over the last 3 years, Jane has been a great support not have considered and to improve their confidence. to the finance team and SLT at The Dean Academy, Since January, we have continued to run events to get tirelessly working in the background to establish the students to consider future options, including trips to Multi-Academy Trust and helping to manage the Denmark Road and Malmesbury Sixth Forms. In April there school’s finances in an unprecedented time of change. will be a Year 10 trip to Cardiff University. There has also Although we will be extremely sad to see her go, I been a large array of other trips, sporting events, and wish her all the best for a long and happy retirement, activities this term, and it has been great to see students and would like to offer our sincere thanks. getting stuck in. I would like to encourage any students Have an enjoyable Easter, we will see you on Monday who have not been involved in extra-curricular activities to 16th April. take something up in the summer term. Tom Beveridge, Head of School A Bright Future for The Dean Academy Staff from The Dean Academy and representatives from have been a phenomenal role model to the children at the local community joined together in recognition of the the school through their team work and support of each school being taken out of ‘special measures’. other. Their optimism and determination to make the The event was organised as an appreciation of the huge school better has raised the standards for a first class amount of effort and hard work from members of staff. comprehensive education. They have demonstrated an Mr Beveridge commented “Staff and students should be unshakeable commitment that has been truly proud of what they have achieved so far. We will inspirational and its impact on people in the community continue to work tirelessly to make further will be life changing.” improvements.” Mr Beveridge also thanked Rev Sarah The Ofsted ruling was announced following an Fenby and Town Mayor Cllr Bob Berryman, who inspection visit to the school in November 2017. attended the event, for their support in making The Inspectors were impressed by the rapid and sustainable Dean Academy a community school. improvements made at the school acknowledging that a Tim Gilson, CEO of the Athelstan Trust added “Staff “culture of aspiration has now been established.”

Rev Sarah Fenby, Athelstan Trust CEO Tim Gilson, Chair of Governors Janine Fox, Head of School Tom Beveridge, Lydney Town Mayor Cllr Bob Berryman, Sheila Berryman and Deputy Head Declan Mooney

Page 2 Follow us on Twitter @TheDeanAcademy EASTER 2018

School Community Introducing Restorative Practice at The Dean Academy At the beginning of this academic year, we began of the main strands of the restorative approach is working with County Council to develop collaboration through fair process, and we will be an understanding and implementation of Restorative inviting you and all students to be part of a safe and Practice throughout school life. honest forum to share ideas and discuss issues like This is a new initiative being launched around the behaviour and challenge in the classroom. county, of which we are the first in the to engage. Our aim in the future is to have an increasing number Restorative Practice is a school wide approach with of parents and carers involved in our restorative one specific goal in mind; to support and facilitate school life. the building of healthy and happy relationships. We are planning on offering several opportunities It has been proven beyond doubt that when individuals towards the end of the school year for parents to learn live and work in a supportive, collaborative and more about the principles of Restorative Practice. In the restorative community that there is abundant personal short term, Julia Davey, our school’s Restorative growth, capacity for character building and a high level Practice Volunteer Co-ordinator will be hosting an of engagement and achievement in all areas of life. information and recruitment event for parents and We see the future of The Dean Academy as a wholly members of the local community who may be restorative one. This means that we are working hard to interested in finding out more and even becoming a develop a school ethos, whole school policies, lessons volunteer Restorative Practice Co-ordinator themselves. and tutor time activities that teach students how to This event will run from 10.00 – 11.30am on Friday reduce the possibility for conflict and harm. 11th May in school. If you have any questions about Effective use of Restorative Practice should foster this event, please email Julia via awareness of how others are affected by poor [email protected] behaviour and encourage students to take By working together as a true community – staff, responsibility for the part they play within their students, parents, governors and the local people of communities (friendship groups, tutor groups, year Lydney – we can help prepare the young people within groups and school). this school for bright, happy futures where they are able to succeed and Restorative Practice, as an approach, provides both high achieve their potentials, and beyond. challenge and support through a framework which we As a community, we can use hope will improve relationships, establish accountability Restorative Practice to support our and responsibility. These three areas are all parts of students now, whilst also investing in school life which we think students need to focus on in the long term future of Lydney itself. order to continue to help move the school forward. One Mrs Emily Smith, Assistant Head Student Council welcomes new members This term, 6 members of year 7 were welcomed to the Student Council. Following a challenging application and interview process Erin Hewitt, Emma Kear, Emily Ervig, Jasmine Chandler-Brown, Amelia Davies and Ayden Le Roux all joined the council ready to work hard to continue to improve the school community. The newly appointed members commented “We feel it is an honour to be members of the School Council, and as our first assignment we have organised to place recycling bins around the school. By doing this, we can prevent recyclable materials being thrown in the bin as waste. This will Ayden Le Roux, Emma Kear, Amelia Davies, Emily Ervig, help to make the school become more Erin Hewitt and Jasmine Chandler-Brown eco-friendly. This is just one of our many ideas.” Mrs Emily Smith

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Art, Design and Production Faculty Geared up for Engineering Success Home Cooking Skills Three Engineering students from The Dean Academy have earned themselves a prestigious 3 year Advanced Practical apprenticeship with Rolls Royce beating thousands of other applicants. Jordan Shuttleworth, Jack Powell and Michael Saunders were among 15,000 students who underwent a rigorous selection process for 36 places. They were assessed on competence, resilience and attitude. Only one hundred applicants were successful in passing the initial stages and were invited back to spend a day at Rolls Royce in Bristol to complete interviews, panel reviews, technical tests, compliance tests, team building skills and awareness tests. Engineering teacher Mrs Kirsten Westgate commented “I am extremely proud and delighted for these boys as they have continually worked hard in Engineering throughout Charlie Denman and Charlotte Crote with their years 10 and 11 and for me they totally deserve all of the colourful BTEC Home Cooking Skills display board success. The feedback from Rolls Royce was that Michael had 100% in the technical test and Jack had 100% in the “For our Home Cooking Skills we made a coursework compliance test. Both obtained the two highest and best display board on 100 calorie snacks because the scores in the interviews and panel review assessment. I am government is trying to encourage children to eat delighted that Jack, Michael and Jordan will be able to have lower calorie snacks. The government is suggesting the potential to achieve great things in the future.” that we should eat two 100 calorie snacks a day. We found some good snacks and have added them on the board. Did you know that 100 calories = 15 minutes of dance? Also on the board is my favourite recipe of Tagliatelle.” Charlie Denman Year 11

“In BTEC Home Cooking Skills we made a display board about 100 calories and under. The government recommended that the snacks should be 100 calories and under and no more than 2 snacks a day. Also on the board is our favourite recipe that we have made this year. Mine was the sausage rolls.” Charlotte Crote Year 11

“I have always had an interest in engineering and working Delicious Desserts to the highest tolerances. I applied for a place with Rolls Year 10 Food and Nutrition students have been Royce as I felt that this would allow me to follow my demonstrating their pastry skills this term by passion. The hardest part of the process was the interview creating delicious desserts. and assessments; it was a very long day. I am really proud Fruit bowls with crème patisserie and profiteroles to have been offered this apprenticeship.” Jack Powell with zesty cream filling. Mrs S Gittins-Jones Left to right: Seb Thomas and Aeron Perkins “I was really nervous before the interviews but they made me feel relaxed. When they rang me to say that I had a place with them I was told that I had done really well in the interviews and that I was motivated and dedicated. My family are really pleased for me. I can’t wait to start in September.” Michael Saunders

“I really enjoy the hands-on aspect of engineering. I am looking forward to starting my apprenticeship with Rolls Royce as they are world famous and have a great reputation. They will be able to teach and support me and help me to become part of the engineering community.” Jordan Shuttleworth

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Art, Design and Production Faculty

Forest Inspired Art Erin Hewitt Students from The Dean Academy have been invited by The Rotary Club to participate in an art competition that they are organising for schools across the Forest. Students from years 7 to 9 were asked to create a piece of artwork based on life in The Forest of Dean. We have already received some fantastic work from our students who will each receive a £10 voucher for their entries. Mrs K Charles James Frith Holly Gardiner

Eve Jones Hannah Fox Freya Symonds

Bethany Fawke

Lara Ella Williams Isobelle Jones Art Competition are running an art competition to celebrate the opening of their new campus in The Forest of Dean. They are asking students from across the Forest to submit their artwork (any media) which represents the theme of ‘learning that works’. This can be something that either prepares you for your career or something that represents the heritage of The Forest of Dean. Winning entries will be displayed at the new campus.

1st prize = an iPad 2nd prize = £200 vouchers 3rd prize = £100 vouchers

Please see Mrs Charles for more information. Ben Thomas

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Art, Design and Production Faculty Lets get Cracking!! Easter Cake Competition Our annual Easter decorated Victoria sponge cake competitions have as always been very impressive. With current Food students entering from year 8 and year 9, we have been baking for Britain! Our winners are: Y8 Makenzie Venner and Luke Evans Y9x Holly Gardiner and Harry Thomas Y9y Aston Cassidy and Jade Grindle

Winner Makenzie Venner Winner Luke Evans

Winner Winner Holly Gardiner Harry Thomas

Good Old Skills! Gloucestershire College Trip As part of the Future Foodies? F o o d a n d Tikka Masala Ice-cream? N u t r i t i o n Prawn cocktail in wafer cones? a s s e s s m e n t , RFDC hosted a fantastic food students are event where our students had required to have the experience to sample and experienced see the range of careers that filleting fish and the food industry has to offer. portioning a From creating weird new chicken. All of dishes, butchery skills, catering the group came and hospitality, the trip was with a strong stomach for period 1 on a informative and gave the Wednesday morning and showed some students an idea of the impressive knife skills, as well as some excellent facilities that will be squeamish faces! The parts were then available to them at the new made into a variety of excellent dishes. Fish Forest College. goujons, sticky chicken wings and chicken Mrs S Gittins-Jones roulade. Mrs S Gittins-Jones

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Art, Design and Production Faculty

Year 9 Create and Cook Competition We have been really busy in Food this term trying to challenge students to do something new. We hosted an in school cooking competition open to all year 9 students. The aim was to plan and present a menu using local produce. Five teams entered and the 3 winning teams put forward their menu to enter a regional competition sponsored by the Midcounties Co-op. The dishes were well thought out and presented beautifully to the Senior Leadership Team who judged the event. Of course Mr Mooney HAD to taste test! Our winning menus have been selected and submitted– we are waiting to hear if we have been chosen. Well done to all that entered– fingers crossed. Mrs S Gittins-Jones

David Hale, Amy Thorne, Taylor-Mae Worgan, Abbie Scrivens, Wyatt Kehoe, Joe Greenhalgh, Courtney Stephens, Ella Knight, Alfie Paine and Ryan Zerniak Communications Faculty Exploring and Creating French Poetry Year 7 students have been getting creative with poems The class were tasked with translating the poem about animals. In class they have been reading the and then to create their own version inspired by famous French poem ‘La Fourmi’ (‘The Ant’) by Robert Desnos’ surreal style. They came up with some Desnos. It is a surreal poem that was written to fantastically imaginative and colourful creations! entertain children during WWII. Miss H Deans

Le Chenille Le Panda Le Lapin Le Chien by Amelia Tye by Madeleine Head by Sophie Gwilliam by Todd Gray Page 7 EASTER 2018

Maths and Computing Faculty

Maths Trust Day Tenner Challenge Budding mathematicians from schools across the Athelstan The Dean Academy has been Trust joined together last participating in the Tenner term for a special year 8 Challenge which is a national Maths workshop which was competition for year 7 and 8 hosted at The Dean Academy. students. Students travelled from A number of students have signed and up and run their stalls during Bradon Forest in Wiltshire to lunchtimes. It has been very busy s o l v e s o m e c o m p l e x Year 10 helper Beth Willetts with and they have been successful in mathematical puzzles and students from across the Trust their chosen business. challenges which included a Their enterprising ideas have maths crossword and a relay Problem Solving included key rings, sweets and event. cakes, as well as a raffle. Some Mr Chris Knibbs, a teacher at activities are continuing up until the Malmesbury School Easter break. commented “Our students It has been great to see students were really enthusiastic about enjoy their businesses and see their the day. One student said confidence grow. that they found the maths Mrs N Cook challenging but rewarding when they got it right. Others commented on how well their team had worked together.” Mrs Ruth Jones, the Maths Curriculum Leader at the school organised the event for the year 8 students. Ruth said “It was a great event; there was lots of energy in the room and a real buzz about Maths. It was lovely to see students from across the Trust mixing together. I was particularly impressed by our year 10 helpers who assisted with the marking and organising of the day.” Other Athelstan Trust Sweet Success: Ella Lewis and events are due to be Jamie Chapman in year 8 hosted later in the year.

Winning Team: Jaik Aji and Emily Nolan from Bradon Forest with Enterprising: Brayden Love, Ayden Lola Porter and Lily Fitzsimons from Malmesbury School Le Roux, Simeon Evans and Joshua Compton

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Maths and Computing Faculty Business and Enterprise

Business and Enterprise students Best Marketing Campaign have been exploring each stage of Bacon and Milkshakes: Jordan creating and running a successful Shuttleworth, Oliver Rothery-Jones, Ben business, from branding to product Leighton. design, from marketing to Their innovative meme based advertising management, from production to captured our students’ attention and led sales. to big queues all lunchtime! As part of their final assignment, students were given £25 in start-up Sugar Rush: Summer Elliott, Best Store Sarah James & Beth Howley cash from the school and were The Tiki Bar: Codie Smith and Harvey tasked with holding an enterprise Imm. event in order to raise money for On a cold, damp day, Codie and charity. As a team they needed to Harvey’s taste of Hawaii packed a fruity come up with original ideas for visual punch! products or services which could be marketed or sold at lunch time. Most Profit From here they worked together as a Sportswear: Eva Marie-Kear, Molly team to assess the viability of their Popplewell and Miya Davis. James ideas, produced business plans, The popularity of their Dean Academy Saunders designed their marketing campaigns hoodies led to a wallet-busting £201 gets and produced their goods. Their profit! Students can already be seen cleaning work culminated on Thursday 22 sporting theirs in PE lessons. March with them selling their wares and services to our school community. The teams worked incredibly hard to offer everything from car washing to hair styling, home made baked goods to pick ‘n’ mix. Well done to all the students involved who showed great team work, leadership and creativity. All profits made by the students will now be donated to various Happy customer: David Hale with his charities including Narcolepsy UK. Jordan Shuttleworth hoodie Harvey Imm and Codie Smith Miss J Rosbrook with the popular bacon with their mocktails rolls Vote 100: Wonder Women The achievements of ‘Wonder Women’ Miss Jo Rosbrook, the Director of both past and present have been World Affairs at the school, explained recognised and celebrated by students in “It was vital to celebrate and re-affirm a special vote to mark the centenary of the importance of female suffrage with the Representation of the People Act. our students. Our year 9 students, This important electoral during their History reform Act became law in lessons, assessed the February 1918 giving women most significant over the age of thirty and of developments in female property the right to vote. social history and across Although it would be another the school students ten years before full electoral investigated the 7JB post their voting slips equality was achieved the accomplishments of the Act was monumental. ‘Wonder Women’ before voting for the Staff and students at the academy voted one they felt was the most from a selection of fifteen inspirational inspirational. The overwhelming women ranging from the Victorian winner was Malala Yousafzai. In a world where 264 million children computer engineer Ada Lovelace to the are denied the right to an education, Malala’s empowering story fearless war reporter and Chief News served as reminder of not only how far we’ve come as a society but Correspondent Kate Adie. also that there’s much work still to do.”

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Sports News Year 10 Boys Design New Canterbury School Rugby Kit During the autumn term, four was based on the colours of the lucky year 10 students spent the school tie and current PE kit. day at Gloucester Rugby They then drew out a number of Stadium working with draft designs themselves before Canterbury Sportswear to working with one of Canterbury's design a new school rugby kit. top kit designers to fine tune the In March, the production and final selection. manufacturing process was Kieran Williams, Mason Cunliffe, finally completed, and the Connor Price and Jake Turley are unique new school kit arrived in pictured proudly sporting their school. new kit. The boys inspiration for the kit Mr P Glynn U14 Girls Football The U14 girls entered the District Football Finals at Football tournament at Newent, where they played Thomas Keble, playing Wyedean, Five Acres and Beaufort, Cleeve and All Saints Newent. They had an unfortunate Academy. The girls played first game, losing to Newent in the exceptionally well, their effort, attitude last minute to a penalty goal. They and behaviour was brilliant! beat Wyedean 1-0 and went 0-1 Well done girls! down to Five Acres in the first few My player of the tournament was minutes. However, the girls fought awarded to Aleisha Maguire-Toombs back and beat Five Acres 2-1, who captained the team and put in an qualifying in 2nd place. amazing performance in every game! The girls then went to the County Mrs K Jones

Hockey Club

Year 7 Girls District Football Year 7 girls recently took part in a Football tournament with Wyedean, Newent School and Five Acres High. The girls played really well against other strong teams. The scores were 1-1, 2-1 (Newent win) and 1-0 (Five Acres win). Ms J Pitt

Captain Libby Beddis with team mates Emily McCoy, Jaime Payne, Connie Rees, Paris Cherry, Megan Underwood, Taiya Huxstep, Anna-Fleur Geelhoed, Eleanor Kiely, Aleisha Maguire-Toombs, Hariotte Mills, Declan Rosser and Emma Baldwin The Dean Academy Hockey training has been limited due to team did themselves proud at other commitments.” a recent home match against After school Hockey training is Wyedean. The score was 1-1. available to all year groups for Jess Geelhoed, Rachel James, Taylor Ms Julia Pitt who runs the both boys and girls. It runs Turley, Libby Peacey, Alisha Carling, Ruby hockey club commented “This every Wednesday from 3.30pm Truman, Sophie Allen, Maddy Head and is a brilliant result as their to 4.30pm. Libby Brooks

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Challenge Week: 29th January to 2nd February

Students proved they were up for a challenge as they back in 2016 where she spent three months cycling on attended various events and motivational workshops her own from London to Athens. Megan commented designed to get them thinking about their future. Challenges that were on offer to students throughout the “Only by stepping out of your comfort zone do you realise that week included an eggciting parachute egg drop in you’re actually capable of more than you can imagine.” Science, following a recipe entirely in Spanish, designing your own keyring, a quiz and a Newsround challenge for Miss Eve Knibbs-Rebane a teacher at the school who co- budding reporters. ordinated the week commented “I have been so proud of Ndidi Okezie, Executive Director at Teach First addressed all the students involved in Challenge Week. They have over 150 students as part of a motivational ‘Who Am I?’ demonstrated our school's core values of: respect, col- workshop. Ndidi spoke about how as a child she was laboration, resilience and excellence in all that they've told that she would never be successful, a comment done this week. They have represented The Dean Acad- which spurred her on to achieve her goals, “No-one tells emy and the local community beautifully and all our visi- me how far I can go, I will decide what my dreams in life tors have complimented their behaviour and positive out- will be.” look. I just hope they've enjoyed themselves as much as I have!” “Failure is not the end, the real loss is when you stop trying.”

She tasked the students to write down what they want No limits: Teach First Executive Director Ndidi their life to be like and to write a message to their future Okezie selves. One student wrote “I want to prove myself to anyone that has doubted me in the past. I want to cheer people up when they’re down and let them know they have someone.” Keen cyclist, Megan Cumberlidge, shared her experiences with students about a personal challenge she set herself

Cycle Challenge: Sophie Ball and Jessica Geelhoed with Megan Cumberlidge

Parachute Egg Egg drop Drop: Tommy Davey challenge Micah Evans in year 8 in year 7 with his winner: Eve shares his hopes and parachute Jones, year 8 dreams for the future

A Challenging Week: Year 11 students Naomi Berry, Bethany Howley, Grace Pearson, Kimberley Matthews, Grace Chaplin, Victoria Frith, Carys Evans, Elizabeth Laughton, Summer Elliott, Ellie Ovens and Bethany Eltringham created some delicious food following a recipe in Spanish Page 11 EASTER 2018

Out and About

Simon Armitage Poetry Live Student comments A group of year 11 students travelled to the Poetry Live show in Bath where they were treated to readings from great poets such as “Decent day.” Simon Armitage, John Agard and “It was enjoyable.” the Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy. They were also given some John Agard invaluable advice from examiner Tony Childs about “We really enjoyed the show. tackling the We felt it really improved our unseen poem. relationship with the poets and the poems that we will be using in our exam. Thank you for the opportunity.”

“ It was very interesting to hear the poets interpretations Year 7 Go to the Theatre and intentions of their poems. Some of our year sevens enjoyed a cultural enrichment trip to Malvern The trip has improved my Theatre this month to watch a brand new and original musical understanding of the poems, production of the Jungle Book. We are really pleased with the success their contexts and how to and popularity of the trip and hope to enjoy many more theatre trips tackle the questions.” in the future! Mr J Randall “I thought it was interesting and inspiring.”

“It was different and I enjoyed it.” “I thought the play was really interesting and well-performed.”

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World Book Day - Thursday 1st March 2018

Staff braved the weather and came to school dressed as famous book characters for World Book Day. Students enjoyed being taught by characters such as Paddington Bear, Robin Hood, Mrs McGonagall and The Mad Hatter which initiated discussions about various genres of books. English teacher, Mr Phil McNeill, who James and helped organise the event the Giant commented “Despite the Peach: Mr snow, The Dean Academy Craig celebrated World Book Day in Palmer in style with costumes and his Roald quizzes, all to foster a love of Dahl reading in our learners.” inspired costume Teaching Assistants Anna Edwards and Yazmin Alimi aka The Mad Hatter and the Cat in the Hat

The Science Faculty dressed up as famous authors and characters including The Cat in the Hat, Robin Hood, Paddington Bear and the Mad Hatter

Librarian, Mrs Williams The World Affairs Faculty dressed as the Lion from dressed up as characters from ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and Harry Potter, The Old Man and Miss Browne was the the Sea and The Arabian Nights ‘Boy in the Striped Pyjamas’

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Peace, Power and Politics: CND workshop

KS3 students enjoyed some thought provoking and Truman on Trial: creative workshops all about One group found him Peace last week. guilty and another CND Peace Education Officer found him innocent Mr Owen Everett visited the school to discuss and debate issues with students about weapons of mass destruction. Mr Everett explained “I visit schools all over the country working with children in a creative way to engage with them about important issues such as nuclear weapons. I am not here to tell them what to A group of Key Stage 4 students thought provoking and informative think but to encourage them learned about the political issues both session. Year 11 student Fynn Aston to make up their own past and present and staged a mock commented “The Peace Education minds.” trial where President Truman was tried workshop was interesting and gave Year 7 and 8 students for his decision to bomb Japan. Ben me historical understanding of nuclear learned about symbols of Jones and Ellis Saunders were weapons and how they were used in peace and discussed issues ‘defending’ and Oliver Rothery-Jones World War II. This also relates to around the nuclear bombings and Jordan Shuttleworth were present day politics with the conflict in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. ‘prosecuting’. The result was a between America and North Korea.” They were tasked with writing a message of peace on a sheet of paper and then making a crane using the art of origami. One student wrote on theirs “Have peace. Even light can be found in the darkest of times.”

Paper Crane: Message of peace

Symbols of Peace: Connor Toogood, Oliver Thomas, Joseph Powell, Toby Bendall and Ben Hughes

Creations of Peace: Owen Everett with students Charlie Davis, Kyle Jenkins, Tommy Davey, Declan Tonks, Jasmine Chandler-Brown, Emma Kear and Ellie Hawkins

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Workshops Students Wax Lyrical about Creative Writing Workshop A group of year 10 students waxed lyrical about a special visit to the school by esteemed author Anna Metaphorically Beer who delivered an inspirational and informative speaking: creative writing workshop focussing on the Author Anna importance of metaphors in poetry and language. Beer enthuses The event was arranged through Speakers For students about Schools; a charity that sends professional people from language and various career paths to give inspirational talks to poetry children across the country sharing their insights and enthusiasm for their chosen field. Anna Beer explained “Language is important to all of us. Writing is about finding a voice that is powerful and interesting so that people will listen to you. Our entire language is built on metaphors, they run through our language without us even realising it.” Anna also gave some advice for those who were considering writing as a career, commenting “If you Student comments: have a talent you should use it to give yourself “Ms Beer was “I thought options; by sticking at it and working hard you will entertaining and “I found the that the experience get to the top. If you love your subject and commit helpful; she session was yourself to it you can be successful as a guided us about eye-opening very and influential. writer.” confidence and interesting. hard work as well It made me Anna encouraged students to consider using as the techniques It has helped feel more unusual metaphors in their writing as a way to and analytical me with confident and challenge the reader and grab their attention. reading of texts. ideas about secure about The workshop university.” my future. The was useful for workshop also Q&A both my English Jack Davies really helped studies and future me with Q: What is the process for publishing your life.” English.” work? Eleanor Cowell A: Send your work off to as many places as you Gemma Kear can. You need to be able to deal with rejection but eventually something will happen. Once you are published you have more traction and it can lead to other opportunities. Sheer hard work can get you to the top.

Anna Beer pictured with year 10 students Abbie Stewart, Jessie Seymour, Gemma Kear, Eleanor Cowell, Lottie Cox, Kimberley Sharpe, Michael Richards, Oliver Shattock, Jack Davies, Ryleigh Turley and Holly Davis

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Workshops Using Football to Tackle Men’s Health Men’s health was high on the to improve young men’s impaired and their agenda of a football based understanding and awareness of reaction time was workshop for a group of year 10 topics such as bullying, stress, body slower. boys at The Dean Academy when image, STIs, testicular cancer, as The Head of Year, Mr Alastair representatives from Cheltenham well as drug and alcohol abuse. It Cornish, commented “All the boys Town FC paid a visit to the school is done in a laid back manner so really enjoyed the experience and to tackle some important topics. that the boys feel comfortable and got a lot out of the day. The boys The ‘MENTalk’ workshop is part of a are free to ask any questions.” learned about the importance of a local community trust programme One of the activities involved healthy lifestyle and the benefits of which uses football to initiate putting on a pair of ‘beer goggles’ having a positive attitude. Thanks discussions about mental and sexual which mimic the effects of alcohol. must go to Cheltenham Town FC health issues. Coach Alex Parker Students noticed when wearing the who we hope to work with again in explained “The session is designed goggles that their co-ordination was the future.”

Cheltenham Town FC Coach Alex Parker (right) and Beckem Foley (left) with a group of year 10 boys Is It Worth It? E-Safety Workshop ‘Is it worth it?’ was the question that year 9 students at The Dean Academy were encouraged to ask last week during an interactive session that explored E-safety and the dangers of sexting. The session was organised and funded by Gloucestershire Police in collaboration with Gloucestershire Safeguarding Children Board (GSCB) and Gloucestershire Healthy Living and Learning (GHLL) to help young people understand the risks associated with posting images of themselves and speaking to strangers online. Claire Walmsley who presents the show to schools across the county gave students lots of advice on how to deal with any problems they may encounter online “If you are struggling with something online then tell a friend or your Quick fire round: Wiktor Jarosz and Alfie Paine school’s Safeguarding Lead, please do not keep it to go head to head to see who has learnt the yourself. The consequences can be devastating and could most facts from the session ably assisted by affect your long term mental health. It is important to team mates Maisy Popplewell, Codi Whitson, remember that if you post a photo of yourself online it is a and Kacey McNeill-Jeffs lottery as to where that photo could end up.” Students were given some shocking statistics such as how fun as well as learning about what was legal and not 33% of teens in Gloucestershire had admitted sending or regarding the use of mobile phones and the internet. receiving sexual images and 16% of secondary aged girls The response from students was excellent with all had agreed to meet a stranger they had met online. participating well and taking note of the important Head of Year, Mr Alastair Cornish commented “With a messages given to them. One thing they must mixture of music and games the students joined in having remember – IT’S NOT WORTH IT!” Page 16 EASTER 2018

Community Sea Cadets Joe Greenhalgh, Matthew Lade, Back in September T.S Verderer was Ayden Le Roux and Charlotte Crote established under the Cadet Expansion at Lydney Docks Programme (CEP). The CEP is part of the Government’s aim of promoting military ethos in schools; to instil values in young people that will help them get the most out of their lives, and to contribute to their communities and country. This means students developing qualities such as self- discipline, loyalty and respect, strong leadership, teamwork and resilience which will help them achieve excellence and shape their own future. Cadets Crote, Greenhalgh, Lade and Junior Cadet Le Roux have been through the process of becoming fully-fledged cadets. During the process they have learnt ceremonial processes such as drill and raising the colours, along with practical skills such as knot tying and uniform care. Now we’re officially in British Summer Time cadets have had the opportunity to take to the water in their first rowing session of the year. Charlie Davis T.S Verderer runs on a Wednesday evening in C9. takes on Mr Please see Mr Palmer or Mrs Morgan for more details. Palmer Mr C Palmer Relocation for Forest Sports Education Forest Sports Education have relocated to the grounds of The Dean Academy as part of a move that is hoped will encourage collaboration between the school and the specialist post 16 college. Managing Director of Forest Sports Education, Richard Kear, commented “We are delighted that we have moved to the site and are able to utilise the great facilities that they have to offer, such as the astro turf, football fields and gym. This is an exciting time for us at Forest Sports as we continue to expand and strive to offer the Forest of Dean an excellent higher education sports centre that allows students to study from Level 2 BTEC right Head of School Tom Beveridge (centre) with Jamie the way through to University level HND Henderson, Richard Kear, Dave Taylor, and Jordan Fishwick courses, right on their doorsteps. Through from Forest Sports Education our partnership with The Dean Academy we are able to offer Sixth Form facilities University level HND in Coaching and Sport for children who would otherwise be priced out of, or Development. who do not wish to have a long commute before Mr Tom Beveridge added “We are delighted to be able attending college for the day. We very much look to welcome the staff and students of Forest Sports forward to welcoming new students in the new academic Education onto our site. To have post-16 students year.” studying here will provide opportunities for collaboration Courses on offer include a Level 2 Extended Certificate with our students, and we hope will raise the aspirations in Sport, a 2 year BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in of those students looking to move into this field. We Sport (Performance and Excellence) and a 3 year look forward to working closely together.”

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EPIC Careers Trip to SkillZone Raising Aspirations In February, 12 EPIC students, from years 7 to 10 The Dean Academy is one of 10 schools in visited SkillZone in Gloucester. SkillZone is a safety Gloucestershire that is part of the Gloucestershire education centre where you can learn about staying Aspiration Programme (GAP). safe in all aspects of our daily lives, from using public GAP is a partnership of Gloucestershire-based universities transport, walking through town safely and keeping and further education colleges working together to safe in our own homes. provide young people with high quality impartial Students learnt about the hazards that can be found in information and activities about education opportunities the home such as bleach, tablets and uncovered food. beyond GCSEs. The partnership is called GROWS. It aims We also learnt how easy it can be to cause a fire in the to raise aspiration to university level study amongst home with items such as hair straighteners and over students from targeted areas. loaded plug sockets. Funding has been given to work with those who meet all We considered the potential dangers of using public of the following criteria: transport such as what to do if we feel threatened by  Students from year 9 upwards whose postcodes have other passengers, getting on been identified as having progression gaps, that is; and off trains and buses and pupils who have the prior attainment to go to using a level crossing safely. university but in comparison to other postcodes have Students also found out what much lower numbers of students who go on to study it is like inside a Police Station at university level. and prison cell.  Students who have been identified as having the There was a re-creation of a potential to study at university level. dark alley and this had a The project delivers a range of activities and events, massive impact on our some of which will be open to all students from year 9 students as upwards, however, due to funding, a range of activities it was full of rubbish, discarded will only be available to those who meet the above syringes and it smelt horrible. At the criteria. end of the alley was the model of a GAP fund and deliver a range of initiatives both in and man, wearing a hoody and smoking a out of school. These include residential events at a cigarette. It looked so realistic and college/university campus, motivational speakers, study was really scary. This was designed to skills speakers to help with revision techniques. There encourage young people never to are also subject taster sessions, access to online tools to take short cuts through dark and help students discover potential careers and identify their secluded areas. I think our EPIC skills and strengths, mentoring and buddying schemes students never will after that and visits from university students. experience! Mrs S Hankinson In addition to the activities mentioned above, there are a number of resources which are available for everyone. Nurture Group Tea Party The GROWS website (www.grows.ac.uk) has both a student and a parent section with information and resources about pathways, career options and higher education. You can also sign up to a newsletter which contains useful updates on these topics as well as details about events which may be of interest. As the project is funded we are required to collect data on the students including personal and sensitive data. We will be asking students what their future plans are for education and employment and will be seeking their opinions on activities. We will be monitoring student outcomes as they progress through their education. Further detail on the data and security can be found on the GROWS website under legal information. If you would like any more information please visit the GROWS website or contact Mrs O'Regan and Miss Knibbs-Rebane at The Dean Academy. “On Monday 12th March our year 8 Nurture Group hosted a tea party in H3, to let people see what we get up to. Teachers came along and we provided everyone with tea, coffee, biscuits and cakes. We talked to all the teachers and told them what we do in Nurture Group. We hope everyone had fun.” Chloe Chant Year 8

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Careers

Careers Fair Practical demonstrations from The BIG Assembly Gloucestershire College Students had a chance to reflect On Thursday 8th March, year 10 on and make choices for their took part in 'The Big Assembly'. future at our annual Careers Fair The Big Assembly’ was a live video as local businesses, colleges and which was streamed to thousands organisations were on hand to across the UK for those who wanted offer guidance. Representatives to find out more about from the Armed Forces and apprenticeships and career options, Gloucestershire Constabulary were post 16. Brought to us during also available to discuss career National Apprenticeship Week and options. on International Women’s day, this Mrs Ellie O’Regan, the Careers Co- second Big Assembly attempted to ordinator explained “Our annual beat last year’s record of 10,000 Careers Fair ran alongside the year people being online all at the same 9 Options Evening as a time for careers advice and complimentary addition to support guidance. This year, the focus was students in their decision making. on diversity and social mobility, with Students were able to find out students hearing from apprentices more about the subjects they were and employers who shared their interested in pursuing and then stories and invited questions from a visit the Careers Fair to speak to a live and virtual audience through A year 9 student gets advice range of providers about their next the interactive broadcast. This year from the RAF steps and career pathways. This it was broadcast live from will help our students to solidify Nottingham Academy featuring The their decision making and BBC, Boots and Travis Perkins understand what is required to amongst others. The broadcast was pursue their career goals. The in a ‘Question Time’ style to a live Careers Fair also provided Year 10 studio and digital audience. They with the opportunity to get ahead anticipated more than 15,000 with their Post-16 choices and for students, parents and teachers Year 11s to address any viewing from across this outstanding questions they may year. have had. I would like to extend Mrs E O’Regan The police were on hand to my thanks to all businesses and answer any questions providers who attended to support our students and to Mr John Stanley for his leading role in organising the event.” Ms Donna Sutton from Waggly Tails in Lydney attended the event accompanied by a former student from The Dean Academy who has just embarked on an apprenticeship with the company. The Careers Fair gave her an opportunity to relay their first- hand experience of apprenticeship to other students who might be considering that option.

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Extra Curricular Tae Kwon Do Park Run Success Crufts 2018

Isobelle Jones gained a medal for Ella Knight in year 9 received a coming second in the Tae Kwon medal for the 2017 Lydney Do Championships in her Parkrun and was Top Junior Mathew and Jack when they Lightweight class of young people Female with 42 runs-1 volunteer. competed at CRUFTS 2018 aged 10-13. Congratulations! Ella also recently completed the Portsmouth 100 Acre Wood 10k Mathew Lade in year 7 competed in the run. Well done Ella! Fishing Young Kennel Club Agility Dog of the Year Before Christmas, Emily Ervig competition. competed in a fishing competition In order to compete at Crufts Matthew had and was named the Under 12 to qualify at one of the qualifying competitions held throughout 2017 which Championship Winner alongside nd gaining a participation medal, a he achieved by coming 2 at the most improved award and earning Chippenham show in October 2017, this the Mark Burges runner up trophy. was his the last chance to qualify in 2017 Isobelle Jones also competed and without travelling to Scotland in December. won a participation medal. This year, Matthew moved up to compete in Mrs E O’Regan the 12-17 year old category which meant that he was one of the youngest running in that class. Prom Fundraising Unfortunately, the semi final didn't quite go The Year 11 Prom Committee have been to plan and Matthew was unable to win a busy organising various fundraising events place in the final. Despite this for this year’s Prom. disappointment, Mathew really enjoyed the Fun activities have included, soak-a- experience of competing at the biggest dog teacher, a cake sale and a parents raffle. show in the world in front of huge crowds They have so far raised £545 towards the and he performed exceptionally well under cost of the school Prom. great pressure. Year 11 students are looking forward to the Mathew has achieved this through event which will be held at The Speech dedicating himself to regular training over House on Wednesday 4th July. many years. His skills and knowledge are Mr Kelley gets a soaking constantly improving and we are looking from a student forward to him achieving great things Sport Relief Fundraising during the 2018 competition season starting On Friday 23rd March students came to with an Easter show in the school holidays. school dressed in non-uniform to raise Well done Matthew! money for Sport Relief. The school raised School Terms and Holidays 2018 th over for the TERM 5 BEGINS Monday 16 April (students return) £490 th charity which will go MAY DAY HOL Monday 7 May HOLIDAY Monday 28th May – Friday 1st June towards helping th vulnerable people in TERM 6 BEGINS Monday 4 June the UK and in some of INSET DAY Friday 29th June (staff only) Aspen Harris and th the world's poorest ENDS Wednesday 25 July (3.15 p.m.) Max James collect HOLIDAY Thursday 26th July – Friday 31st August donations countries.

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